ABGC opens up computer lab to public

Though it’s known as the ‘positive place for kids,” the Akwesasne Boys & Girls Club in Rooseveltown is expanding its services and now community members of any age can use their state-of-the-art computer lab throughout the day.

“We have the resources here and we want to outreach to families,” said Myra LaFrance, the club’s new director.

General Motors donated computers to the club and additional machines and upgrades were provided through other funding sources to bring the total to 36 machines. Most are set up in a large technology room at the club, and a separate high-tech classroom complete with a flat screen TV is also available for community use.

“They (community members) can check their email, print, work on their resumes, do research for school,” LaFrance said.

The internet connection at the club is high speed, and LaFrance said she personally knows how difficult any type of research work can be on a dial-up connection, so she invites those people in to take advantage of the club’s services.

Although the computers would be especially useful for students, LaFrance said visitors can use the machines for non-education purposes. They can simply stop in to browse the Internet.

“They can do whatever they need to,” she said.

The club is also providing free printing to those using their lab.

“We’ll put a little donation cup out if they want to help with the purchase of cartridges but they don’t have to,” LaFrance said.

The club also has a community member who is willing to volunteer to teach computer classes if there is an interest or need. If enough visitors express a desire to be brushed up on Excel or other programs on the machines, the club is committed to helping them. Staff working at the club throughout the day can also provide assistance for any community members unsure about how to work programs on the computers.

The computer lab is open to the public on Monday and Wednesday from 12-2:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.